Campus News
Joyful Learning
What a happy first few weeks of learning we have enjoyed at Haileybury City in Term 3. You will read below of the adventures in learning to read, write, perform, think, wonder, lead, create, debate — the list goes on. The common denominator is JOY. We love spreading joy around the campus, and on every tour that I take people, they are always wowed.
We have recently welcomed students from our China and Darwin campuses. They were wowed by our ‘campus in the clouds’ where the sky is the limit. It is always a proud moment when I see our students flourishing and full of joy. We might not be in Kansas anymore, but we love being in City.
Enterprise Skills
At our recent School tours, I shared with prospective parents the importance of enterprise skills — the skills that are transferable no matter what career a young person pursues. The research suggests our graduates will have four or more careers in their lifetime and these enterprise skills will be more important than ever. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, confidence, project management, intercultural understanding etc are taught intentionally to all our students, from our youngest to our oldest.
I am always delighted with our Junior, Middle and Senior School students who volunteer to help on School Tour days and challenge themselves to develop their skills to be personable, positive, warm and engaging with the hundreds of people who choose to visit. The students’ big smiles and willingness to converse with confidence showcase these important skills in action. The students who attended this term were a wonderful representation of the Haileybury magenta principles in action. Indeed, a proud moment for home and School as we continue our strong partnership developing character and confidence through contribution and service.
Early Learning Centre
Apply slinkys with Mrs Merrick
As part of our focus on healthy eating, ELC children have enjoyed making and eating apple slinkys with Mrs Merrick, who introduced the children to a spiral cutting machine where we used whole apples that transformed into fun, curly shapes.
The activity promoted healthy eating in a fun, engaging way, while also supporting fine motor skills and independence. Children have been actively involved in the process, sparking conversations, counting, extending their vocabulary as they questioned and hypothesised their ideas, while learning about nutrition and making healthy choices
Zooming around the running track
The Reception and Pre-Prep children have commenced the ELC Scooter program which is developed by Mr Mark Reed, Chair of Athletics and Head of Girls Athletics at Haileybury.
The Scooter program supports and extends children’s gross motor skill development, with a particular focus on balance, coordination and spatial awareness.
The children have demonstrated great enthusiasm and confidence as they navigate the obstacle course, developing a strong awareness of personal safety as they understand respect and kindness when navigating their scooters on the track.
The ELC Scooter program is a valuable addition to our curriculum, encouraging physical confidence, independence and safe risk-taking in a fun and supportive environment.
Junior School
100 Days Brighter
Our Prep students always brighten the Junior School with their bubbly dispositions, but they lit up the day for their 100 Days Brighter celebration. The class were excited to wear their brightest outfits and engaged in a variety of tasks throughout the day to explore the number 100 and celebrate their 100th Day of School. Pairing with their Year 4 buddies to make 100 Fruit Loop necklaces, completing ‘I wish I had 100 ...’ writing tasks, and showing a range of number patterns on their 100 charts were some highlights. City Campus was delighted to be joined by our Prep families for a special celebration in the afternoon. We are proud of our students for sharing what they love most about Prep in front of an audience, and performing some catchy tunes as the Prep Choir.
Semester 2 Leaders Induction
We are pleased to announce our Year 4 Leaders for Semester 2, 2025 have been inducted. These students shared careful thoughts and goals for their leadership roles at the Junior School Leaders Induction Assembly. Our leaders have already supported their co-captains throughout Semester 1, and proved that leadership can be demonstrated outside of official roles, particularly when no-one is watching! We are proud of our captains for embodying the Respectful Relationship Pillars, and they have already started the term acting as excellent role models for the Junior School.
Congratulations:
- Newton House Captain – Lalita C
- Main House Captain – Hudson W
- Na House Captain – Carter V
- Elliot House Captain – Parker H
- Arts Captain – Jasper D
- Sports Captain – William N
- Flag Bearer – Hamilton B G
- Environment Captain – Cameron F
- Library Captain – Pete R and Phoebe L
- Social Justice Captain – Esther V
STEM Week
We were delighted to celebrate Careers in STEM as part of our STEM Week 2025. Thank you to our inspiring parents, who came to speak to their child’s class about their career in STEM. We have an amazing parent community who shared with students about their work as dentists, doctors, engineers, mathematicians and more. Our motivated younger students enjoyed playing as dentists, vets and doctors during their lunch play that week, while our Years 3 and 4 students engaged in an Astronaut Training Camp at lunch play, and robotics incursion to celebrate STEM Week.
Middle School
The Wizard of Oz
Our Middle School students captivated audiences with their spectacular three-night production of The Wizard of Oz at the Gasworks Theatre. Like Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road, our students embarked on their own adventure, stepping confidently into the professional spotlight.
The opportunity to perform in a theatre venue provided our students with an authentic glimpse into the world of professional performance. Beyond enchanting evening audiences, our dedicated cast also brought the wonder of Oz to our Junior School community through a special daytime performance.
True to the spirit of the story, each cast member contributed their distinctive talents, demonstrating that collaboration — like the enduring friendship between Dorothy and her companions — creates magic far greater than individual efforts. We celebrate our Middle School students for their teamwork and embodiment of our community values throughout this production.
Our appreciation extends to our Haileybury Parents and Friends community, whose support resulted in three consecutive sold-out performances. Special recognition goes to our exceptional staff, led by Mrs Pip Bell, including Mr England, Mrs Schmidli, Ms Marshall, Mr Hicks, Ms Southgate, Mr Schaepman, Ms Moorby and Ms Elletson for their professional expertise in bringing this production to life.
Dance excellence: Nationals in Tasmania
We proudly celebrate our exceptional Years 7 and 8 students who have secured their place at Dance Nationals in Hobart, Tasmania. These talented performers, representing our cross-campus teams, delivered outstanding performances across hip hop and jazz routines.
Congratulations to our national qualifiers: Candela , Charlize , Richa , Josephine , Eden , Maggie , Nevindie , Catherine , Adele and Chloe.
STEM Week: Careers in STEM
Our Middle School STEM Expo transformed learning into a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This dynamic week-long festival featured the thrilling Paper Aeroplane Competition, the ingenious Design a Rube Goldberg Machine Challenge, and the competitive E-Sports Tournament.
The week culminated in an inspiring STEM Showcase centred on Careers in STEM, where students explored fascinating professional pathways including forensic science, marine biology, cybersecurity, food science, meteorology, and bioinformatics. This immersive experience broadened students’ horizons, revealing the exciting diversity of opportunities within STEM fields and connecting their current interests to promising future careers.
These innovative, hands-on experiences reflect our unwavering commitment to nurturing student exploration and excellence in the ever-evolving world of STEM education. We extend our appreciation to Holly Emslie, Louise Elletson and Caleb Street for cultivating genuine passion and enthusiasm for STEM learning throughout our Middle School community.
MS Debating
Our Middle School Debating program has gone from strength to strength this year, with students building their skills through targeted workshops on structuring arguments, crafting persuasive points and working effectively as a team. These sessions laid the groundwork for students to step into formal debates last term, tackling real-world topics such as free school breakfasts and lowering the voting age.
In Term 2, the tightly contested House Debating added an extra layer of excitement for our Years 7 and 8 students, culminating in a tiebreaking debate with Newton House finally prevailing as the champion debaters. This term, it is the Years 5 and 6 students’ turn, as they prepare for their own round of House Debating.
We are also thrilled to be expanding interschool opportunities. Years 5 and 6 students will represent our school at the upcoming Regional Debating Day — their first experience in external competition — while Year 7s will take part in a series of workshops and interschool debates with the Junior Secondary program.
A special thank you to Ms Kelsey Collins for coordinating our flourishing Debating program.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
Haileybury Parents & Friends City (HPF City)
Middle School Family Trivia Night - Friday, 14 June
Our Middle School Family Trivia Night on Friday, 14 June was a huge success and another sell-out event. The energy was high, the competition fierce and the atmosphere electric. Families enjoyed popcorn, pizza, lollies and a variety of trivia rounds that kept everyone engaged.
Creative challenges, including constructing a map of Australia using newspaper and other bits and bobs, added to the fun. The ever-popular chocolate toss was another crowd favourite, with gold coins flying across the room in support.
Proceeds from the evening have enabled the purchase of a gaga pit, allowing Middle School students to enjoy indoor soccer and other activities during downtime throughout the day.
A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, the Haileybury Executive team for their support on the night, and the staff who helped with setup and popcorn cleanup. A special shoutout goes to Caroline Merrick, who continues to shine as our quiz master extraordinaire.
HPF City Second-hand Uniform Pop-up Shop
Did you know that the items that can’t be sold due to being damaged or not meeting our high-quality standards are donated to Noone to be recycled? Did you know we have an oversupply of boy’s grey Junior School shorts so don’t rush out to buy new ones — this and other items will soon be discounted.
Up Day is in November — more details to come. Check your child’s uniform and what you need on the myHaileybury app and update the wardrobe at the next SHUS on11 and 12 September.
Save the date – Springtime Party
Mark your calendars! The HPF City Springtime Party will be held on Friday, 24 October. It is one of our biggest events of the year. We are now accepting silent and live auction donations — all proceeds go back to support the students through resources and activities. Drop off goodies at City Reception or contact Michelle White at hpfcity@haileybury.com.au.
HPF City Executive and Social Reps Meeting
Our HPF Executive and Social Representatives came together to enjoy connection and a meal before our official meeting for Term 3. The meeting began with a welcome from the HPF City Co-Presidents, followed by updates from the Head of Campus and the Head of Senior School, who provided key insights into current priorities and developments across the school. Our Treasurer presented the finance report, outlining the current financial position and key budget considerations. A recap of the Middle School Trivia Night was shared, highlighting its success and community engagement. The SHUS update included a discussion on managing oversupply and discounted stock, along with a call out for new donations. The meeting concluded with planning and preparation for the upcoming Springtime Party.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to be involved in HPF City please do not hesitate to contact us directly or catch us around the school. Watch the myHaileybury app for more details or email us at hpfcity@haileybury.com.au with any questions or contributions.
Melissa Fisher and Michelle White
Co-Presidents, Haileybury Parents & Friends City
